Twin felons arrested in connection with armed bank robbery

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PUYALLUP, Wash. -- Twin brothers with long rap sheets, including convictions for child molestation and rape, were arrested Tuesday after robbing a bank at gunpoint and fleeing police, according to charges filed Thursday in Pierce County Superior Court.

According to the charging documents, 28-year-old Terrence Smith entered a Columbia Bank in Puyallup shortly before 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, put a gun on the counter and told two tellers to hand over cash.

A woman working at a nearby business saw Terrence run out of the bank and get into a waiting car, a description of which she passed along to the Pierce County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies spotted the car a few minutes later and attempted to stop it, but the car sped off, according to the charging documents.

Deputies gave chase and eventually forced the car into a ditch, arresting Terrence and his twin brother Terrell Smith as they reportedly attempted to run away.

According to the charging documents, one of the tellers identified Terrence as the robber. A search of the car turned up more than $3,000 in cash and a large handgun.

The twins have been charged with robbery, unlawful possession of a firearm and obstructing a law-enforcement officer. Terrell is facing additional charges of attempting to elude a pursuing police vehicle and resisting arrest.

Both twins already have convictions for child molestation, rape and assault. Terrell also has a theft conviction, while Terrence has been convicted of robbery, unlawful possession of a firearm and failure to register as a sex offender.